Amazing Grace Robert Morgan says that “John Newton’s earliest memories were of his godly mother who, despite fragile
health, devoted herself to nurturing his soul. At her knee he memorized Bible passages and hymns. Though
she died when he was about seven, he later recalled her tearful prayers for him.”
In the years after her death, John alternated between boarding school and sailing the high seas. Kenneth
Osbeck describes these years as “one continuous round of rebellion and debauchery.”
At one point, John was pressed into service with the British Navy, but he deserted. He was later captured and
flogged.
Then, Osbeck informs, “After serving on several ships as well as working for a period of time on the islands
and mainland of the West African coast collecting slaves for sale to visiting traders, Newton eventually
became a captain of his own slave ship. ...[It was] was a cruel and vicious way of life.”
According to Morgan, March 9-10, 1748, was a turning point in Newton’s life. Newton and his crew
encountered a strong and sudden storm. Newton cried out to God for help. Newton and his crew survived the
storm; he viewed it as a blessing from God. He later wrote, “That tenth of March is a day much remembered
by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748 – the Lord came from on high and
delivered me out of deep waters.”
Newton grew in his faith, turned his back on the slave trade, and became a powerful foe of slavery. He began
preaching about God and wrote hundreds of hymns. His most famous hymn is an autobiography of his life. It
is called, “Amazing Grace.”
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.”
-- John Newton
“In a small cemetery of a parish churchyard in Olney, England,” writes Osbeck, “stands a granite tombstone
with the following inscription: ‘John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and Libertine, a servant of slavers in
Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and
appointed to preach the Faith he had long labored to destroy.’”
The grace of God is indeed amazing!
When we were all living in rebellion and sin, God, because of His great love for us, sent Jesus to live and to
die in this world in order to save us from sin (John 3:16). Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross for
our sins (Romans 5:8; 1 John 2:2).
God will save us by His grace when we accept His offer on His terms by placing our faith and trust in Jesus
(Acts 16:30-31), turning from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue
to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
The Apostle Paul reminded Christians of their salvation in Christ: “For by grace you have been saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”–Ephesians 2:8-9
God saves wretches. That’s wonderful news. That is amazing grace.
Won’t YOU accept His offer on His terms?
-- David A. Sargent
* See Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003 and Osbeck, Kenneth
W. 101 Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1982.
WELCOME TO CREEKWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
We would like to welcome all our visitors to Creekwood! Please sign the guest register in the foyer. We also invite you to stay for our Bible classes immediately following morning worship services.
Creekwood Church of Christ “Conservative in Theology • Liberal in Love • Progressive in Ministry”
• DEACONS • Joey Adams
Sammie Morris John Sims
• SERVICES •
Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 AM Morning Bible Class 10:15 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00 AM Evening Bible Study 7:00 PM
1901 Schillinger Road S, Mobile, AL 36695 • (251) 633-2931 • (251) 633-3037 • Fax (251) 633-2936
Web site: www.creekwoodcc.org • E-mail: creekwoodchurchofchrist@comcast.net
August 1, 2021 HHHH
AM –“Paul’s Story” PM –“No Partiality”
Listening Devices for the Auditorium are available in the Control Room.
Minister Youth Minister Family Enrichment Minister Missionary (India)
David A. Sargent Blaine Chason Ricky Butts Jaya Paul
• ELDERS • Ricky Butts Michael Eddlemon Greg Hall Chris Presley Glenn Sargent
Know Your Bible on the WHBR station on Mediacom channel 13/Comcast channel 7; Sundays at 6:00 PM CT.
Getting To Know Your Bible on Sunday on DirecTV-Uplift Channel 379 10:30 a.m. & Dish-Folk TV Channel 218 8:30 a.m.
Both of these broadcasts are co-sponsored by the Creekwood Church of Christ.
(Cards, Phone Calls, Visits)
OUR COUNTRY & THOSE SERVING: Chris Campbell (Japan), Nick Marcet Air Force, Chaz Carpenter (Okinawa) Marines, Dylan Jones Coast Guard, Greg O’Connell Coast Guard, Lt. James Chapman III (Kuwait), Harry Lehman Coast Guard, Mitchell Englund Marines, Dylan Butler Navy
EXPECTING MOTHERS: Ali (Presley) Payne, August (boy), Cierra Brooks, September (boy), Peyton McLean, January (?)
OUR MISSIONARIES: Jaya Paul (India), Michael Fordjour (Ghana)
PRAYER REQUEST for Tim Howell who underwent outpatient back surgery this past Tuesday. The surgery went well but it may take a few weeks before any improvement can be detected. Please pray for Tim, Barbara, and a successful surgery.
PRAYER REQUEST for Katie Mitternight, granddaughter to Ken and Anna Grisham (17 yrs. old) underwent emergency appendectomy this past Wednesday. She has returned home and is doing well. Please keep Katie and her family in your prayers.
PRAYER REQUEST for Danny Mills, a friend of Blaine's and brother in Christ in your prayers. He is suffering with Covid and will probably be placed on a ventilator soon if not already. Please pray for Danny and his family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Zach Farris, fiancé' of Dalia Jaara who fractured his ankle playing softball. He underwent surgery this past Tuesday. Please pray for Zach, a successful surgery, Dalia and his family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Janet Oglesby who has requested the prayers of the church. Please pray for Janet.
PRAYER REQUEST for Todd Allsup, son of Linda Allsup who underwent surgery this past Monday to remove a malignant tumor. They are waiting on the pathology report, but the surgery went well. Please pray for Todd, a good report and his family.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Meg Cox (former member) who passed away this past week. Please pray for the Cox family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Ross Gallaher who has tested positive for Covid-19. He is improving but his energy level is low. At this time Teresa is Covid free. Please pray for Ross, Teresa, and their family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Jennie Slowey, family member of Harry and Annie Lehman. She fell down some steps and had a major brain bleed. Jennie underwent surgery and has only been given a 0-15% of survival and 0-5% chance of meaningful recovery (walking, talking, basic functions…). Please pray for Jennie and her family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Tanner Main, Annie Lehman’s brother- in-laws brother fell and also suffered a brain bleed. Please pray for Tanner to make a full recovery.
PRAYER REQUEST for Patti Mitchell who was scheduled to undergo an epidural but it was cancelled and will be rescheduled. Please pray for Patti and for success.
PRAYER REQUEST for Patsy Powe, mother of Sheree Bean who is suffering with health issues. They are trying to schedule her procedure but it has been delayed. Please pray for Patsy and her family.
PRAYER REQUEST for Patrice Sargent who underwent hip surgery and is now undergoing therapy. Please pray for Patrice, a successful surgery, and David.
PRAYER REQUEST for Sue Cade who is residing at Mobile Nursing & Rehabilitation. She loves cards and visits.
MEMBERS: Sharon Bogle, Iris House, Lester Sellers, Patti Mitchell, David Overton, Bud & Joy McDonald, John Sims, Patrice Sargent, Kathy Stacy, Sue Cade, Cecil Wiggins, Ken Grisham, Richard McDonald, Pat Parenteau, Martha & Bill Franks, and Betty Carolyn Love
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF MEMBERS: Sondra Herig, sister of Wayene Buzbee Amy Brooks, mother of Jonathan Brooks Danica Jones, friend of the Wade family Brook Barganier, daughter in law of John and Mary Barganier Betsy McCaskill, friend of Larry Duncan Mike Shavers, member at Regency David Cox, husband of friend of Sue Hawkins Shirley Hargrove, former Sage Ave. Member Norman Newberry, father of Rachel Lunsford, Kelly Troughton, father of Hilary Hardy Charles Eddins, brother-in law of Greg and Traci Moorer, George Mitchell, brother of Sharon Donaldson and Jeannie Aldred, Linda Crow, Marla Troughton’s mother Billy Lambert, Diane Glover, sitter of Cecil Wiggins Sherita Johnson, friend of Madeline Gwin, Audrey, friend of Jennifer Fetner Terry Miller, father of Kim Miller Annette Daugherty, friend of Anna Grisham Beverly Nall, sister of Sandra Dowling Katelynn Nelson, friend of Sheree Bean Beth (Girod) Avera, Leah Fetner, daughter of Ross and Jennifer, Bennett Gibson, member living in Washington, Ryan Buzbee, grandson of Wayene and Fran, Joe Bracewell, Linda’s husband, Donna & Perry Lucas, Tammy Bernal (cancer, friend of Shawn Cobb); Joe Williams (son-in-law of Betty Carolyn Love);
Sally Tindell & Bernice Beall (siblings of Nancy Moorer); Boots and Murdock Carson (parents of Gina Englund and Ka Kinman), Shirley Autrey (Mother of Traci Moorer), Lanette Girod (cousin to Laurie Hinote),Bob & Alona Gobble, (parents of Penny Davis), Kellen Franks, (grandson of Bill & Martha Franks), W.J. Havard member at Rocky Creek, Lucas Fickling, (nephew of Eric & Donna Fickling), Beverly Kubina (friend of the Warsh family), Rita Hilyer (sister of Anita Sellers), Amy Hearon, (the daughter of Betty Carolyn Love), Don White and Billy Wayne White, (the brothers of Celeste Chandler), Regina Cleckler, (Crystal Paulk’s aunt), Friend of Jessica Smith with stage 4 cancer, Larry Dickson, (Bea Harrison’s brother), George Smith and Rose Mary Eubanks, (friends of John Bogle), Charles Pritchett, (grandfather of Daila Jaara), Chris Slade (close friend of Ross Fetner), Lalandria Wilson (Cassandra’s daughter), Wade Calvert(friend of the Lenoirs), Kelly Jockish McNeil (friend of Amy Owens), Peggy Grimes, (grandmother of Jessica Smith), Allen & Mary Jo Dixon (brother and sister-in-law of Sara Sargent)
SHUT-INS – Barbara Roley, Pat Parenteau, Cecil Wiggins, Ray Robinson, Hurley Crews
PROMOTION SUNDAY AUGUST 1ST (TODAY)
K5 thru 6th Grade will promote
For Your Child
K5/1st Media (Nikki Holland)
2nd/3rd Story (Amy Owens)
4th/5th Crafts (Annie Lehman)
LADIES-ALL of the Creekwood ladies are invited to come together and fellowship, learn and grow with each other.
August 7 @ 9:30am- brunch and crafts Please mark your calendars and plan on being part of the fellowship this summer. If you have a gift/talent that you would like to teach/share, we’d love to have your help! This is for ladies of ALL ages! We will meet at Creekwood unless noted otherwise.
COUPLES BRIDAL SHOWER for Dalia Jaara and Zach Farris on Sunday August 8th 4:00 p.m. at Creekwood in the teen room. Everyone is invited to attend.
BRIDAL SHOWER for Belle Moorer at Creekwood on Sunday, August 15th in the teen room 4:00 p.m. She is registered at Target, Dillard’s, Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon.
MOW PROGRAM-There will be a meeting on Sunday, August 15th in the fellowship hall at 2:00 p.m. for anyone who is interested in volunteering for the MOW program.
LADS TO LEADERS/LEADERETTES KICK OFF meeting on Sunday August 29th after the a.m. Bible classes in the fellowship hall. Food will be provided. Anyone interested please attend or see Glen or Holly Hall.
Blessed
The word “blessed” appears some three hundred times in the Bible. Many of those references are used in reference to man. One of the many definitions of the word blessed is “highly favored or fortunate.” We often speak of those who are without as those who are “less fortunate.” It is indeed fair to say that man is blessed every single day that goes by. Have you ever thought about how so?
Many of us own multiple copies of God’s Word, sometimes even owning multiple versions to help us along in our studies. Because of such, it can be easy to take it for granted. But did you know, that if you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed? Why? Because one third of all the world does not have access to even one Bible. We are indeed blessed. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed that the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer that 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy. Friends, that list could continue.
But even more importantly, those who wear the name of Christ, are especially blessed, both physically and spiritually. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). I know that often we do not think of physical blessings as spiritual blessings, but the Bible does not always separate the two. For instance, a promise that came from Jesus is if we are faithful, we will not need to worry about food, clothing, or shelter (Matthew 6:25-33). Jesus did not just come to give life, but that we may “have it abundantly” (John 10:10). In Christ, blessings overflow, because the Father who gives all blessings promised special blessings there (James 1:17). We have access to God through prayer. Believe it or not, not every person has that blessing (1 Peter 3:12). We have beautiful fellowship that not all can have (Ephesians 5:11). We have the forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:7). We have help as we fight the temptations of life (Matthew 6:13; James 1:12). But above all things, we have the hope of something better when this life is over (Matthew 25:34). That hope is not given to all, but only to those who are obedient (Hebrews 5:9). Yes indeed, we are blessed.